Ukraine is currently sending signals to Western allies urging them not to have exaggerated expectations regarding Ukraine's counteroffensive and not to consider it decisive.

"In our communications with international partners, we are saying: be patient, don't exert excessive pressure. It is more important now to think about what else can be done to ensure the success of this counteroffensive," said Natalia Halibarenko, Head of Ukraine's Mission to NATO, in an interview with LRT.

Halibarenko underlines any counteroffensive aims for the best possible results, but it is important not to rely solely on a single operation and not to inflate its significance.

"This is a complex situation. One counteroffensive cannot determine the course of the entire war. It may require multiple counteroffensives – we're not disclosing that. This counteroffensive will be important, but let's not overly focus on it, even if the extent of liberated territories is not impressive," noted Natalia Halibarenko, adding that Ukraine's ability to continue counteroffensive operations depends on international support.

She also stated that there are currently no grounds for peaceful talks with Russia.

"Putin has long made it clear what his negotiation position regarding Ukraine is. They want to destroy us. We want to live. So I don't see much room for maneuvering here. Moreover, considering that sooner or later this war will be declared finished through negotiations, we believe that these negotiations should take place on Ukraine's terms. Therefore, we are persistently doing everything we can and striving to liberate as much territory as possible. This will strengthen our negotiating position. As the President of Ukraine has stated, our goal is the liberation of all occupied territories. The issue of territorial integrity cannot be subject to any compromises with Russia," points out Natalia Halibarenko.

Similar calls have been made by other key Ukrainian officials.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas also urged not to have excessive expectations (Ukr) regarding Ukraine's upcoming counteroffensive operation.

Meanwhile, according to Financial Times, based on discussions with diplomats, Western allies of Ukraine fear the scale of assistance to Ukraine is approaching its peak, and next year there may be problems due to the elections in the United States.